ALMetro360

Ellijay A Quiet Piece of the North Georgia Mountains B Y B ECKY J. B EALL P HOTOS C OURTESY OF G ILMER C OUNTY C HAMBER OF C OMMERCE T HE N ORTH G EORGIA M OUNTAINS ARE BURSTING WITH QUAINT TOWNS , LOCAL HOSPITALITY AND FUN ATTRACTIONS . E LLIJAY IS ONE OF THOSE LITTLE PIECES OF PARADISE UNIQUELY NESTLED AMONG THE APPLE ORCHARDS AND PICTURESQUE VINEYARDS OF G ILMER C OUNTY ABOUT 90 MINUTES NORTH OF A TLANTA . A PPLE PICKING IS , OF COURSE , A POPULAR FALL ACTIVITY AT MULTIPLE U-P ICK FARMS , BUT APPLE FESTIVALS KEEP THE THEME ALIVE ALMOST YEAR - ROUND . HERE TO S TAY A trip to Ellijay provides a peace- ful retreat in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains where visitors can choose from several types of accom- modations like rustic cabins, hotels and Bed & Breakfasts. Chatsworth is in close proximity to Ellijay and offers a fabulous lodging option — The Overlook Inn Bed & Breakfast. Innkeepers Mike and Lynn Anderson go all out to accommodate guests of their charming inn including a lovely three-course breakfast (that comes with a stay), a wine and cheese night, and a tasty dessert night. The views surrounding the inn are stunning and give a glimpse of not only the Blue Ridge Mountains, but also the Chat- tahoochee National Forest. Another truly exceptional lodging option is The Martyn House located on 18 acres in a Bed & Breakfast-type setting with a 1930s farmhouse. Guests also can seasonally rent a luxury sleeping tent for a personal glamping experience. Not only will guests fall in love with fine linens, antiques and an eclectic ambiance, but jux- tapose those amenities with fire pits and outdoor bathing in a claw-foot tub for an extraordinary trip to remember. L AZY D AYS AND W HERE TO S PEND T HEM Downtown Ellijay offers shopping from antiques to one-of-a- kind boutiques like Mountain Treasures where you can find t- shirts, souvenirs and fun home décor. And, an extra something at Mountain Treasures is found in the back room—moonshine tast- ings and wine slushies. Also pop in at Green Willow Soap for a therapeutic little shop full of natural products with local ingredi- ents. Lastly, don’t miss New Ground Market for some sweet honey tasting! Away from the downtown area, vacationers find plenty to do at places like Amicalola Falls. Home to the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast and Apple Alley, Highway 52 East in Ellijay cor- ridor is loaded with produce, U-Pick farms, and extras like tractor rides, petting zoos, fresh fried pies and apple cider. Hiking and biking are also commonplace in Ellijay. 36 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com DESTINATIONS..................................................................................................................... W